The Department of Art offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education, which
provides a liberal arts program of study while preparing students as teachers
of the visual arts. Completion of this NCATE approved program leads to certification
as an art teaching specialist in the State of Maine, grades K-12, as well as preparing
students for employment in a variety of community-based sites where formalized
art instruction occurs. Many students go on to further study at the Graduate Level.
The BA in Art Education includes coursework in the social and behavioral sciences,
arts and humanities, natural sciences and mathematics as well as in focus areas
of the visual arts and education. Study in the visual arts includes 33 credits
of art studio (27 in required courses, 6 in studio electives); 21 credits of art
history (9 in required courses, 12 in art history electives); and 18 credits in
art education (required). In addition, students are required to complete 24 credits
of professional education coursework and practicum experience. In order to complete
the 125 credits required for graduation, art education students may need to take
6 - 9 credits of coursework as an overload (over 15 credits per semester) or during
summer sessions. Students completing the BA in Art Education also receive minors
in Studio Art and Art History.
Options in Art Education:
Art education is a field of research, study, and practice, which has expanded
beyond public school art teaching. Undergraduate study in art education not only
prepares a student for teaching certification, but also for graduate work in specialized
areas of art education and related fields of study. Some art education majors
choose careers in museum education, art therapy, community arts education, arts
administration, or other fields, which involve working closely with people and
art. The Department of Art offers students an opportunity to concentrate in developmental
disabilities through enrollment in the Developmental Disabilities Interdisciplinary
Concentration in affiliation with the Behavioral and Developmental Pediatrics
Center at Eastern Maine Medical Center and its cooperating agencies. (See the
University Affiliated Program in the Index.)
Students working toward degrees in studio art and art history who wish to prepare
for certification as an art teaching specialist in the State of Maine may fulfill
the requirements for teacher certification by completing required studio, art
history, art education, and professional education courses, including the student
teaching practicum.
The University of Maine The University of Maine
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